Paying half up front

[KyleFz6]

Having a new kitchen fitted plus other things done like new doors etc

We're supplying the kitchen, he's supplying doors, plasterboard etc but wants 50% up front from total cost which comes to about 5k.

He does come recommended but I do feel uncomfortable with this, there is pretty much no chance of that money back if he disappears or if there is issues with the work. I always thought the standard procedure was payment on completion or staged payments after work has started? I'm happy to put a down payment or maybe just pay for the more expensive parts but 50% seems excessive

Happy to hear thoughts

 

[Mottie]

No way. Pay for the materials when they are on site then pay as you go in agreed stages until finished. Maybe a bit up front to show goodwill but not £5k.

 

[Old Salt]

So tell him you feel uncomfortable about 50% and ask to alter tge down payment.

For my extension I paid 25% once materials on site, 50% at roof height and the remainder on completion. Alternatively pay by credit card.

 

[noseall]

Having a new kitchen fitted plus other things done like new doors etc

We're supplying the kitchen, he's supplying doors, plasterboard etc but wants 50% up front from total cost which comes to about 5k.

He does come recommended but I do feel uncomfortable with this, there is pretty much no chance of that money back if he disappears or if there is issues with the work. I always thought the standard procedure was payment on completion or staged payments after work has started? I'm happy to put a down payment or maybe just pay for the more expensive parts but 50% seems excessive

Happy to hear thoughts

Dubious.
We only ever ask for money once there is actual value on site.

 

[blup]

Not half the cost especially as you are supplying the kitchen.

 

[mrrusty]

Just no. In 40 years of employing tradespeople I have never paid more than a token goodwill deposit up front. There is no valid reason to do this.

Now in trade myself, I don't take deposits at all (but as a handyman all my work is under about 1.5K). What I do have is some decent Ts and Cs which I draw to the customers attention that clearly shows their liability if they cancel, particularly for bespoke goods, and the Ts and Cs go out with every quote of any value.

For bigger jobs stage payments for work completed is the only fair method for both sides.